Fallen Heroes of Union County

This monument is located on the lawn of the Union County Courthouse, directly in front of the Union County Sheriff's Office. It was dedicated on May 19, 2005. It serves as a reminder to all of those that have given the ultimate sacrifice as a law enforcement officer in Union County. The following poem is inscribed on the monument:

"The Monument" By: Sgt. George Hahn, L.A.P.D. (Retired)

I never dreamed it would be me, My name for all eternity; Recorded here at this hallowed place, Alas, my name, no more my face.

"In the line of duty," I hear them say, My family now the price will pay; My folded flag stained with their tears, We only had those few short years.

The badge no longer on my chest, I sleep now in eternal rest; My sword I pass to those behind And pray they keep this thought in mind.

I never dreamed it would be me, And with heavy heart and bended knee; I ask for all here from the past, Dear God, let my name be the last.

The Union County Sheriff's Office has had two members who have lost their lives in the line of duty; Sheriff Harry L. Wolfe and Sergeant Roger L. Beekman.

Sheriff F. S. Hager

On September 23, 1927, Sheriff Forest S. Hager had been at his farm in Washington Township and later traveled to Richwood in his Ford Sedan to serve several papers. On his return from Richwood, Sheriff Hager was struck by an eastbound passenger train at the Erie Railroad at Beaver’s Crossing. Sheriff Hager was preceded in death by his wife Claudia Stamates. At the time of the accident he was survived by two daughters, Mrs. Frank Harger, Marysville and Mrs. James Hanby, Richwood and a son H. B. Hager of West Mansfield.

Sheriff Harry L. Wolfe

Sheriff Harry L. Wolfe responded to a burglar alarm at a home on Robinson Road that sounded at the Union County Sheriff's Office on January 21, 1982. Sheriff Wolfe radioed the Union County Sheriff's Office an officer-in-trouble alert. Another Union County Deputy, responding to the scene, found on his arrival, the Sheriff's body lying beside the right front wheel of the Sheriff's cruiser. Sheriff Wolfe, age 59, had been elected for a second term of office in January 1982. He was retired from the Ohio State Highway Patrol and was active in many community organizations. Sheriff Wolfe was survived by his wife Paula, and sons Lee and Steve, along with daughters, Kim and Karen.

Sergeant Roger L. Beekman

Sergeant Roger Beekman was responding to a burglar alarm with lights and siren on September 19, 1979. Sergeant Beekman was westbound on Industrial Parkway at the time of the crash when he apparently entered the intersection of Industrial Parkway and US 42 and was struck by a northbound semi. The semi struck the left side of the cruiser pushing it off the roadway about 50 yards into a field. A passing motorist discovered the wrecked cruiser and summoned aid over Sergeant Beekman's radio. Both vehicles were totally demolished. Sergeant Beekman, age 29 years, had joined the Union County Sheriff's Office as an auxiliary deputy in August 1977. He was hired to full-time status in April 1978 and served as a plain clothes detective for nearly five months. He had requested road deputy duties, because he said that was where his heart was. Sergeant Beekman was survived by his wife, Karen and two daughters, Amy and Angela.